When you get to October, its (sadly?) inevitable in this business to begin thinking about the best albums of the year. Theres plenty still to come, of course great albums, which will warrant considerable acclaim. But some minds are already set: whats been will factor in the year-end equation, and whats to be is likely to miss out.

Luckily for those already shaping their lists, September saw some truly special LPs make it into the wild. Here are just six favourites from the month but you can follow all of Clashs album reviews here.

Click the cover art to scroll through album sleeves

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Shellac Dude Incredible (Touch & Go, released September 15th)

From the twisting opening of the title track onwards, anyone with previous experience of Shellac is in no doubt as to the makers of this racket their primary characteristics are not front-page splashes, headline-generating wackiness, but expert musicianship honed over 22 years of togetherness, and more.

Read the full review

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Leonard Cohen Popular Problems (Columbia, released September 22nd)

Hes 80, but still sounds incredible. You can hear his age; he takes his time and his band gives him space, making this album, lucky number 13 for the Canadian singer, cool and utterly enchanting.

Read the original:

The Best Albums Of September 2014